1              Overview process

This is a “type test” approval which involves:

(the following is not necessary chronologically)

- Client presents a preliminary product technical file applicable to the product requiring certification. The file must contain relevant information related to the critical features of the product in order to facilitate design locking.

Note: The technical file must also include:

      1) a product marking proposal to satisfy the requirements of AS 5200.000  and the applicable product certification standard and

      2) a list of the product(s) proposed for marking.

- Selection of  samples by the manufacturer for type testing by an approved laboratory

- Laboratory report (acceptable test report) to be presented and reviewed by Global-Mark

- Final review by Global Mark of outstanding technical matters ex: test reports approved, technical file locked and marking of product agreed.

- Subject to the above review, Global-Mark will issue a Certificate of Approval (valid for 3 years)

- The certificate of approval is only valid for the product, as tested.

- Under this program, the WaterMark certification mark can be affixed to the product, its packaging or supporting literature.

- If any of the product critical components is changed, a new test report and certificate of approval is required.

2              In simple terms

This program is based on a Type 1b approval in accordance with the principles of ISO/IEC Guide 67 and follows the requirements of the AS 5200.000 for plumbing product certification.

In Australia, it is a requirement that plumbing and drainage products supplied under the WaterMark certification scheme are duly certified and identified with scheme’s trademark, the WaterMark.

The WaterMark certification license can only be granted by organizations that meet both conditions: being approved by JAS-ANZ to conduct assessments leading to product certification and contracted by the trademark owner (SAI Limited).

A product marked with the WaterMark logo applied by a manufacturer certified by Global Mark gives the confidence that:

• The product was manufactured under a nationally recognized product certification scheme
• The manufacturer warrants compliance of the marked product with the appropriate standard
• The product is recognized by the consumer, regulator, tradesman and other interested parties as being assessed by an independent organization.

3              Specific program conditions

• All products certified under the WaterMark® Certification Scheme must be marked in accordance with the Plumbing Code of Australia, the WaterMark® Certification Trademarks and the requirements of the relevant product standard.

·         Applicants for WaterMark® certification must submit a marking proposal to Global Mark showing the form and manner in which the certification mark is to be used.

• Certification cannot take place until the marking proposal has been accepted by Global Mark.
• After approving the Marking Proposal and issuing the Certificate of Approval Global-Mark will formally issue an authorization for the commencement of product marking. The licensee should in return confirm to Global-Mark the beginning of the marking process.
• The WaterMark® must be applied to the certified product prior to dispatch from the manufacturing site and as approved by Global Mark.
• The intention to have the certification mark incorporated on components manufactured by a sub-contractor shall be presented to Global Mark for approval prior to the incorporation. Access to the subcontractor’s premises shall in any case be granted to Global Mark to enable verification of the conditions of application.
• The applied WaterMark® must be durable, clearly visible and legible
• Under this program, acceptable test reports need to be issued under a NATA or ILAC MRA member accredited laboratory

4              Additional program rules/policies

Transfer from other JASANZ Accredited certitication bodies to Global-Mark

As one of the WaterMark® certification participants Global-Mark can issue transfer WaterMark® certificates for products currently certified by a JAS-ANZ accredited body and a current contract with the trademark owner (SAI Limited).  Global-Mark will accept new applications if it is presented with satisfactory evidence including: the previous certification body last audit report, non-conformance, certification schedule, and other documents, as requested by Global-Mark.

Global-Mark will take the view that the manufacturer’s technical file is compliant at the time of the transfer and continue with certification on a cycle equivalent to that of the previous certification company.

License numbers can also be transferred to Global-Mark (our Certificate of Approval/Schedule will record the license number(s).

Working with prototypes

Type tests can be performed on prototypes, under conditions and a design that has been reviewed and confirmed by Global-Mark.  However in order to be accepted, correlation test(s) will need to be performed once production has been established and stabilized.  The timing and extent of further testing remains at the discretion of Global-Mark.

Recognition of past test reports

Global-Mark will accept past test reports (for currently certified products under a JASANZ accredited certification body in the WaterMark scheme), and will require new test reports if the product or any of its critical components is changed.  New test report must be issued by an approved laboratory.  The test report must meet the definition of an approved test report (ATR).

Independent testing of products

Global-Mark reserves its right to select additional samples and completed indenpendent tests. The results of the test will be presented to the manufacturer.  Costs associated with the additional sampling and testing must be paid by the Global-Mark client.

Control of non-conforming product/product recalls

Should a product marked with the WaterMark be found to be non-compliant prior to releasing, the Client must ensure that actions to effectively eliminate the non-conformance(s) are taken. WaterMark® must not be used on any further products until records can demonstrate to the satisfaction of Global-Mark that the production process, system and outputs have been controlled and that the product is now compliant.  Non-compliant products with the WaterMark® incorporated cannot be sold as seconds or re-graded.

Should a product be recalled, the Client must promptly identify the non-conforming batch(s) and immediately advise Global-Mark of the extension of the problem.  All products found to be non-compliant must immediately be removed from the market and all intended subsequent corrective actions shall be taken in consultation with Global-Mark.

Product found to be non-compliant cannot be sold or distributed in any way with the WaterMark® visible on the product, its packaging or any of the supporting documentation.

Notification to the National Plumbing Regulators Forum (NPRF) and SAI Limited

In the event of watermarked product recall, suspension or cancellation of a WaterMark licence it is required that Global-Mark notifies the NPRF within 7 days of the occurrence. This may also include Standards Australia (SAI Limited).

Changes to products under “design lock”

Global-Mark requires to be advised in writing of any change to the design lock conditions.  Global-Mark may require new testing of the changed product or component.

Submitting a new product for authorisation

Products not listed but subject to AS5200.000 must follow the procedure as set out in the standard (Table 1 of AS5200)

Changes to level 1 vs level 2 as stipulated in AS5200.000

Global-Mark will not accept that a product listed for Level 1 approval be certified under Level 2.

WaterMark Approved User Agreement

Client must sign the Approved User Agrement as required by the WaterMark owner, Standards Australia, before we can issue a Certificate of Approval.

Issue of test report: the format of the test report must be as agreed with Global-Mark and must cover the testing plan agreed between the Client/Licence and Global-Mark

Communications with the Laboratory undertaking the testing: Global-Mark reserves its right to communicate, and visit the laboratory undertaking the testing.

The WaterMark® is a registered Certification trade mark of Standards Australia Limited

5              What documents/records are needed to understand this program

In order to understand our program, you should also access and be aware of the following documents:

·         G-00: Welcome Pack

·         MSP-00: Introduction to our management systems

·         MSP-01: Nomenclature and definitions

·         MSP-24 Appeals

·         Standard Complement (if applicable)

·         Watermark® Program - Marking proposal

·         G-19 Approved User Agreement for the Watermark Certification Trade Marks (based on Standards Australia Limited document)